Turning the “cradle” of industry into the highlight of a modern urban area

On the occasion of the 80th National Day (September 2), Dong Nai province is expected to launch the project of the Provincial Political - Administrative Center on the site of Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park (IP).

This marks an unprecedented move in Vietnam, as the country’s oldest IPs is being “reborn” into a green, modern urban area.

The first prize-winning proposal of the Design Selection Competition for the Planning and Functional Conversion of Bien Hoa 1 IP into an urban - commercial – service area.

Historic milestone of Vietnam’s industry

Bien Hoa 1 IP was established in the 1960s, originally known as Bien Hoa Industrial Zone. For more than 60 years, it has played the role of the “cradle” of Vietnam’s industry, contributing to laying the groundwork for the formation of IP system in Dong Nai and nationwide. With its strategic location alongside the Dong Nai River and direct connectivity to Ho Chi Minh City, this IP was once a “rendezvour” for many domestic and foreign enterprises, generating jobs for tens of thousands of workers.

Leaders of the Provincial People’s Committee inspect the relocation of enterprises in Bien Hoa 1 IP. Photo: Hoang Loc

However, as one of the earliest IPs, many of its factories have deteriorated. In addition, outdated infrastructure and obsolete production technologies no longer meet environmental standards. Maintaining such an IP right in the heart of the province, on the banks of the Dong Nai River – a source of clean water for millions of people – has become a major pressure on environmental protection and urban planning.

Recognizing these challenges, Dong Nai province made an unprecedented decision in both IP and urban development history of Vietnam that is to relocate all factories and facilities and make functional conversion of nearly 330 hectares of Bien Hoa 1 IP into an urban - commercial - services area. This is a pioneering step nationwide, as so far, no province and city nationwide has ever undertaken the transformation of such a large, long-standing, and strategically located IP.

Bien Hoa 1 IP was established in 1963 in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province, as the country’s first IP. In 2009, the Prime Minister approved the policy to convert it into an urban - commercial - service area. In 2021, the Government agreed to remove the IP from Vietnam’s IP planning. In 2024, the provincial People’s Committee issued a decision approving the project to convert Bien Hoa 1 IP into an urban–commercial–service area and improve the environment.

 

In recent times, the relocation and site clearance of the industrial park have been carried out resolutely while ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises. Member of Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee Ho Van Ha said: Before carrying out the relocation, the province had met multiple times with enterprises to introduce the land fund available in other IPs for their continued operations. At the same time, the province fully implemented compensation and support policies in line with legal regulations.

General Director of VICASA - VNSTEEL Steel Joint Stock Company Ngo Tien Tho shared: “It is a great regret for us to relocate our factory that has operated for over half a century. However, we fully agree with the province’s policy, and have proactively ceased production and liquidated assets to quickly hand over the site. We have also terminated contracts with subleasing units and required partners to move their assets so the land can be returned to the province.”

Not only this company but many other investors also expressed their support for the province’s policy on the functional conversion of Bien Hoa 1 IP. They believe this is a necessary step to effectively utilize the “golden” riverside land fund, contributing to urban revitalization and socio-economic development.

A new urban landmark of Dong Nai

According to the planning, Bien Hoa 1 IP in post-conversion period will be developed into three clusters of facilities, with the Dong Nai River serving as the central landscape axis, while ensuring continuity of “green” and “open” elements. Of which, the highlight will be the Provincial Political - Administrative Center, including functional zones such as: Dong Nai Political - Administrative Center, home to all Party, government, socio-political, departments, and agencies of the province; the Convention and Exhibition Center where major conferences, seminars, and exhibitions of the province are hosted; the Central Square - Water Square serving as a venue for holding political, cultural, and sports events, parades, festivals, outdoor performances, as well as a community space for residents day and night.

Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of Dong Nai People’s Committee Ho Van Ha emphasized: To maximize the advantages of the IP after its conversion, the province planned clusters of facilities and organized a design selection competition for the Provincial Political - Administrative Center to select a high-quality, creative, symbolic design that reflects its role as the provincial hub. The design must harmonize aesthetics and functionality, comply with overall planning, and match the surrounding landscape. The chosen solution must help create a modern, integrated center with a distinctive identity, contributing to the image of Dong Nai as a dynamic, civilized, and sustainable province.

Thai Bao, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Organization Commission, and Secretary of the Party Committee of Provincial Party Agencies, said: The commencement ceremony for the Provincial Political - Administrative Center project at Bien Hoa 1 IP is expected to take place right on the occasion of the National Day, September 2. This is not only the start of a major urban project, but also a clear political commitment of Dong Nai to shift its development model: from a traditional industrial “capital” to a modern high-tech industrial hub; from growth based on resources and cheap labor to green and sustainable development. It is also a testament to the province’s determination not to trade the environment for short-term economic gains.

The “rebirth” of the country’s oldest IP into a green, modern urban area reflects not only Dong Nai’s political determination but also its strategic vision. Particularly, launching the project on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day gives the project even greater meaning, as it links the goal of urban - commercial - service development with the mission of environmental protection, especially safeguarding the Dong Nai River water source.

By: Hoang Loc

Translated by: M.Nguyet-Thu Ha